After a year of vigorous campaigning, Shivba Sanghatana leader Manoj Jarange-Patil has unexpectedly announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled for November 20. Despite this decision, he expressed his commitment to continue the movement for Maratha reservations, as he addressed his supporters in Antarvali-Sarati village.
Jarange-Patil, who has spearheaded the reservation campaign through numerous hunger strikes, rallies, and processions, stated, “We cannot depend on a single community to win elections. We have chosen not to participate in the Assembly elections and I have instructed my supporters to retract their nomination forms today.” He made this statement on the final day for withdrawal of candidacies.
The leader revealed that extensive discussions among Maratha and allied groups went on until the early morning hours, leading to this strategic decision which he labeled a “battle strategy,” rather than a retreat. He acknowledged that the lack of candidate submissions from allied groups, including those representing marginalized communities like Muslims and Dhangars, contributed to his choice to withdraw.
Jarange-Patil emphasized that they would not endorse any candidates from the ruling Mahayuti or the opposing Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, or even Independent candidates. “The decision of who to support lies with the people, based on which candidates respect our interests,” he asserted.
Following his earlier threats to enter the electoral race and his bold declarations about defeating candidates from both major political alliances, Jarange-Patil’s withdrawal comes as a relief to many political parties. He had previously warned that his supporters would either celebrate his victory or participate in a funeral procession if necessary.
His campaign had targeted the Mahayuti coalition, specifically addressing leaders like BJP Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Nationalist Congress Party Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who have opposed the inclusion of Marathas in the OBC quota. Prominent figures in the MVA, such as Sharad Pawar, Nana F. Patole, and Uddhav Thackeray, have accused the state government of misleading Jarange-Patil, as any changes in reservation policies would require central government approval due to the 50% quota cap.
The decision by Jarange-Patil to withdraw from the elections has received favorable responses from various political figures, including Raut and BJP’s Pravin Darekar, as well as many notable Maratha leaders.
